Concrete Tiles vs Natural Concrete: Which Is Best for Modern Homes?
If you’ve scrolled Instagram or walked through a display home lately, you’ve probably noticed just how popular concrete tiles have become for modern Australian living. Whether you’re drawn to sleek, urban bathrooms or the bold look of an open-plan kitchen, concrete tiles are now a go-to choice for renovators, designers, and anyone chasing that polished, contemporary style.
But when it comes to nailing the concrete look, there are two main ways to do it—either lay a natural polished concrete floor, or opt for the new generation of concrete look tiles that perfectly mimic the finish, colour, and feel of real concrete. Both options have their pros and cons when it comes to style, durability, maintenance, and cost.
As someone who’s been through this decision myself, I’ll admit: for my own home renovation, concrete tiles were the only real option—especially with our raised timber floors. In this article, I’ll break down the key differences, help you weigh up which solution works best for your space, and show why Ross’s Discount Home Centre is Perth’s first stop for on-trend concrete floor tile designs.
Whether you’re starting a full reno or just after the perfect cement look for your next project, here’s what you need to know before you choose.
What Are Concrete Tiles? Types & Styles Explained
If you’re new to the world of concrete tiles, don’t be fooled by the name—these tiles aren’t poured slabs of concrete, but instead clever porcelain or ceramic tiles designed to look exactly like real cement, polished concrete, or that raw, industrial style you see in today’s trendiest homes. This is what gives concrete tiles their edge: you get the sought-after urban vibe, but with the practicality, durability, and easy maintenance of classic tile.
Porcelain Tile That Looks Like Concrete
Porcelain is the hero of the concrete tile world. These tiles are dense, hardwearing, and naturally water-resistant—making them ideal for floors, walls, bathrooms, kitchens, and even outdoors. Porcelain concrete look tiles come in matte, satin, and even textured finishes, so you can match your room’s style and needs.
Ceramic Tile That Looks Like Cement Tile
Ceramic tiles are another great option, especially for feature walls or splashbacks. Lighter and easier to cut, ceramic cement look tiles are affordable and perfect for vertical applications. If you love that decorative encaustic cement tile look, ceramic is usually the way to go.
Polished Concrete Look Tiles
Want that smooth, reflective surface of a high-end slab? Polished concrete tiles are specially glazed to mimic the rich depth and subtle sheen of real polished concrete. They’re a top choice for living areas and kitchens where you want a bold statement without the expense or upkeep of a real slab.
Large Concrete Look Tiles & Formats
Big is in! Large concrete tiles (think 600x600mm and bigger) help create a seamless, expansive feel with fewer grout lines—ideal for open-plan living spaces and modern bathrooms. These tiles deliver the closest match to the “continuous” effect of a poured floor.
Concrete Wall Tiles & Concrete Floor Tiles
It’s not just about floors—concrete wall tiles let you bring the look up onto shower walls, kitchen splashbacks, or even dramatic fireplace surrounds. Choose floor-rated tiles for high-traffic or wet zones, and wall-specific options for lighter, easier installs.
Concrete Tiles Outdoors
Many of today’s concrete look tiles are tough enough for Perth’s climate—frost-resistant, UV-stable, and slip-rated for alfresco areas, patios, and outdoor kitchens. Just check the rating and finish before you buy.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, you’ll find one of Perth’s most extensive ranges of concrete looking tiles—whether you need a bathroom feature, kitchen floor, outdoor alfresco, or floor tiles that look like polished concrete, we’ve got you covered.
TL;DR: Concrete tiles give you all the industrial-chic appeal of real concrete, with the ease, versatility, and low maintenance of porcelain or ceramic—available in every size, finish, and application you could need.
What Is a Natural Concrete Floor? (Polished Concrete & Slabs)
Natural concrete flooring is exactly what it sounds like—a slab of poured concrete that forms both the structure and the finished surface of your floor. This style is popular in commercial buildings, industrial-style homes, and ultra-modern open-plan spaces, thanks to its bold, continuous look and truly custom finish.
How a Concrete Floor Is Made
To create a polished concrete floor, builders pour a concrete slab on site. Once cured, the surface is trowelled, burnished, or mechanically polished to achieve the desired look—anything from a matte industrial effect to a high-gloss, mirror-like sheen. You can add colour pigments, expose decorative aggregate, or keep it minimal and grey.
The Visual Appeal
The main attraction of a natural concrete floor is its seamless, uninterrupted surface. There are no grout lines, just a smooth expanse that instantly gives any room an industrial edge. This finish works especially well in big, open areas or homes with lots of glass and steel—where the floor becomes a true design feature.
Practical Realities: What to Consider
Achieving a quality concrete slab finish takes planning. You’ll need serious substrate prep, experienced trades, and time for pouring, curing, sealing, and polishing. These floors can be prone to cracks (especially if the ground moves), require occasional resealing, and don’t offer much warmth underfoot. Plus, installation costs are higher than with tiles, especially for renovations.
Where Concrete Floors Work Best
Polished concrete is a fantastic choice for new builds, open-plan living spaces, busy retail, and commercial premises. It’s also a favourite for high-traffic areas, garages, or outdoor entertaining zones—provided you can commit to the prep and ongoing care.
TL;DR: Natural concrete floors deliver a seamless, industrial style, but involve complex site work, careful installation, and more long-term maintenance than tile—best suited to new builds and large, modern spaces.
Concrete Tiles vs Natural Concrete: Feature Comparison Table
If you’re tossing up between the look of concrete tiles and a true polished concrete slab, here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you make a confident choice for your home or renovation.
| Feature | Concrete Tiles | Natural Concrete Floor/Slab |
| Appearance/Realism | Excellent mimics (matte, satin, polished, grey, or tinted) | True seamless surface, fully custom finish |
| Colours & Sizes | Wide range: greys, taupes, darks, warm tones; many sizes & shapes | Limited to what can be poured; colour options via mix |
| Installation | Quicker, cleaner, DIY-friendly; less mess, minimal downtime | Complex, requires pros; messy, long cure time |
| Cost | Lower upfront & long-term (minimal maintenance) | Higher upfront; ongoing sealing & maintenance |
| Durability | Extremely hardwearing, less prone to cracks, simple to replace | Highly durable but can crack; hard to repair/patch |
| Comfort | Warmer underfoot (esp. with underlay/UF heating), slip-rated tiles | Can be cold/hard; compatible with underfloor heating |
| Versatility | Indoors/outdoors, walls/floors, wet areas, renovations, new builds | Best for ground-level, large open spaces, new builds |
| Repairs/Flexibility | Easy to replace damaged tiles or change style later | Difficult/expensive to repair or update |
Concrete tiles offer more colour and size options, easier and less expensive installation, and greater versatility—perfect for most renovations and new builds, including bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. Natural concrete floors win on seamless custom looks but are best for major new builds or when you want a truly bespoke finish and don’t mind the extra work.
If you’re considering a timber look instead, see our guide: Benefits of Wood-Look Tiles Over Wooden Floorboards. Looking at other realistic tile options? Don’t miss: Stone Look Tiles vs Natural Stone: Which Is Better?.
TL;DR: Concrete tiles are the all-rounder: easy to install, versatile, and low-maintenance. Natural concrete is for those set on a completely seamless, custom floor and willing to invest in the process.
Benefits of Concrete Tiles for Modern Homes
It’s no accident that concrete tiles are one of our top recommendations for renovators, designers, and everyday Perth homeowners. You get the industrial style everyone wants—without any of the hassles (and price tag!) that come with real concrete.
Here’s why so many customers at Ross’s Discount Home Centre are making the switch:
Design Flexibility
Concrete look tiles come in a huge range of colours—from soft greys and urban charcoals to warm, earthy tones. Choose from matte, satin, or even polished concrete finishes. There are small square options for feature walls, oversized planks for open-plan spaces, and large format tiles for a near-seamless effect. No matter if your style is minimalist, Hamptons, Scandi, or full industrial, there’s a concrete tile to match.
Easy Installation
Compared to pouring and polishing a concrete slab, installing concrete floor tile is a breeze. Most tiles can be laid over existing concrete or even old tiled floors, with far less mess and downtime. Renovators in older homes—especially on timber or elevated slabs—find concrete tiles are often the only way to achieve that concrete look without major structural changes.
Low Maintenance
Forget sealing, waxing, or hiring specialists—concrete tiles need just a quick sweep and mop to stay looking great. They’re resistant to stains, don’t require resealing, and are super easy to keep hygienic, making them perfect for busy families.
Durability & Crack Resistance
Porcelain and ceramic concrete look tiles are hardwearing, scratch-resistant, and built to handle everyday life. Unlike real slabs, tiles are less likely to crack, and if one ever does, it’s easy to replace just the affected tile—not your whole floor.
Versatile Application
With options rated for floors, walls, outdoors, and wet areas, concrete tiles can go almost anywhere. Create a statement bathroom, a seamless kitchen, or a stylish outdoor patio. At Ross’s, our large format and outdoor tiles are favourites for both residential and commercial projects.
TL;DR: Concrete tiles deliver the authentic, on-trend look of real concrete—minus the mess, maintenance, and cost. They’re easy to install, a breeze to care for, and adapt to any space or style.
Drawbacks & Limitations: Where Concrete Tiles Can’t Beat Real Concrete
While concrete tiles deliver unbeatable style and practicality for most Perth homes, there are a few areas where natural concrete slabs still have the upper hand. Here’s what to weigh up before making your final call.
Seamless Look
One of the biggest selling points of a poured concrete floor is its uninterrupted, seamless surface. Even with large format tiles, you’ll always have some grout lines with concrete looking tiles. For most people, these lines are minimal and barely noticeable, but purists chasing that “endless” expanse might prefer a true slab.
Bespoke Finish
With a real concrete slab, you’re in control: choose your mix, add exposed aggregate, tint the colour, or polish to a custom sheen. Concrete tiles come in plenty of finishes, but you won’t get quite the same level of individual detail or variation that a poured slab can provide. If you’re after a totally unique, artisanal look, natural concrete is tough to beat.
Edge and Size Limitations
Tiles are available in larger and larger formats, but for massive open spaces—think grand living rooms or huge retail floors—you’ll see a grid or pattern from the grout lines. Expansion joints are also necessary to prevent cracking in tiled floors, which can disrupt the look compared to one unbroken slab.
Installation Prep
Concrete floor tile needs a solid, level subfloor to look its best. If your existing floors are uneven, sloped, or damaged, you might need extra prep before tiling. For heritage homes or tricky renos, this is worth factoring into your plans.
When a Real Slab Might Be Best
In ultra-high-traffic, commercial, or industrial spaces where absolute durability and a truly seamless finish are top priorities, a poured concrete floor still has its place. These environments put floors to the ultimate test—where a slab’s toughness and custom finish shine.
TL;DR: For most homes, concrete tiles deliver nearly all the benefits of real concrete, but can’t fully match the seamless, custom possibilities of a poured slab. If you crave a one-of-a-kind finish and don’t mind the cost or care, natural concrete may be your winner.
When to Choose Concrete Tiles vs Natural Concrete
Choosing between concrete tiles and a real polished concrete slab isn’t just a question of style—it’s about what’s under your feet, the type of project you’re planning, and how much disruption you can handle. Here’s how to make the right call for your home, whether you’re renovating, building new, or planning a commercial space.
Renovating vs Building New
When it comes to choosing between concrete tiles and a natural slab, the right option often depends on whether you’re renovating an existing home or starting fresh with a new build. Let’s look at what works best in each situation.
Renovating Existing Homes
If you’re renovating an older property, especially one built on a timber or raised slab, a true polished concrete floor is rarely an option—unless you’re ready for major demolition and construction costs. This is where concrete looking tiles shine. They’re suitable for nearly any substrate (including over old tiles, timber, or slab), with the right prep. For my own renovation, concrete tiles were the only realistic way to get that cement style look—no jackhammers or slab pours required.
New Builds or Ground-Floor Extensions
Building from scratch? If your home sits on a ground-level concrete slab, you have the choice: go for a traditional poured and polished concrete floor, or stick with versatile concrete look tiles. Tiles still offer flexibility—easier repairs, more colours and finishes, and a simpler install if plans change down the track.
Bathrooms & Wet Areas
For bathrooms, laundries, and wet zones, concrete look tiles are the clear winner. They’re slip-rated, water-resistant, and available in a huge range of formats and finishes. From classic cement style tiles to large concrete look floor tiles for a luxury hotel vibe, you’ll find plenty of options at Ross’s Discount Home Centre.
Kitchens & Living Areas
Both concrete slabs and concrete tiles can look fantastic in open-plan living or kitchen spaces. However, tiles offer a more straightforward install during a renovation and come in popular formats like concrete kitchen floor tiles and polished concrete look tiles that match any décor.
Outdoors
Planning a patio or alfresco? Concrete tiles outdoors give you the look and durability you want—just make sure you choose outdoor-rated tiles with the right slip resistance and weather performance for Perth’s climate.
Commercial & High Traffic Projects
In ultra-high-traffic areas, commercial spaces, or retail, a poured concrete slab might be the best investment for ultimate durability. But for smaller spaces, feature walls, or anywhere you want flexibility, concrete tiles (especially large concrete tiles or porcelain tile that looks like concrete) hold up beautifully and are far easier to repair if needed.
TL;DR: For most renovations—especially in older homes or on timber floors—concrete tiles are the easiest (and sometimes only) way to achieve the polished concrete look without major building works. If you’re building a new home on a slab, you can choose between a poured concrete floor and modern concrete look tiles, depending on your budget, timeline, and style preferences.
Conclusion
When it comes to achieving that modern, industrial style in your home, concrete tiles are hard to beat. They deliver the look of a polished concrete floor, but with far greater flexibility, lower costs, and easier installation. Add in their durability, easy care, and the sheer range of colours and finishes available, and it’s no wonder concrete look tiles are one of our top recommendations for Perth renovations and new builds alike.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we stock one of Perth’s best selections of concrete look tiles—from large-format floor tiles to contemporary wall and outdoor options. Visit our showroom to see the full range in person, grab expert tile advice, and get inspired for your next renovation or build.
Not sure where to start? Check out our concrete look tiles category or explore our tile selection guide for more tips.
Whether you’re a seasoned renovator or tackling your first project, you’ll find everything you need at Ross’s—Perth’s trusted name in modern flooring and home improvement. Drop by, give us a call, or browse online to find your perfect concrete tile today.
FAQs: Concrete Tiles vs Natural Concrete
Still have questions? Here are the answers to what most buyers want to know when comparing concrete tiles and natural concrete floors.
